boltQuick Facts10-sec scan
navigationHow I Did It
- check_circleTook a shared sumo from Shillong’s Police Bazaar to Sohra (Cherrapunji), then a local taxi to Tyrna village.
- check_circleTrekked down the famous 3,500 steps to Nongriat village (about 2 hours down).
- check_circleStayed overnight in a village homestay — basic room, hot local food.
- check_circleSpent the day at the Double Decker Living Root Bridge and the natural pools below it.
- check_circleTrekked back up the next morning — the climb is the real workout.
alt_routeMy Route
- 1Shillong~₹180, 2shared sumo ~₹180, 2 hrs
- 2Sohra~₹250, 30taxi ~₹250, 30 min
- 3Tyrnatrek down ~3,500 steps, 2 hrs
- 4Nongriat — Double Decker Root Bridge
articleMy Experience
The Double Decker Living Root Bridge is one of those places that sounds made up until you stand on it — two levels of living tree roots, woven together over 150 years by the Khasi people, strong enough to hold dozens of people. I went in December, when the weather is cool and the steps aren’t slippery. The jungle was at its greenest, with butterflies everywhere on the trail.
The trek down from Tyrna took me about two hours, and I’ll be honest — my knees were complaining by step 2,000. But then you cross the first suspension bridge, the jungle closes in, and suddenly there’s the bridge, arching over a series of natural blue pools. I spent three hours there: walking across both levels, swimming in the pools, just sitting on the roots listening to the water.
Staying overnight in Nongriat was the best decision. After the day-trippers left, the village went quiet, and I had the evening to walk around and talk to my homestay host. The climb back up the next morning was brutal — allow twice the time you took going down — but reaching the top felt like a genuine achievement. My legs ached for three days afterwards, and I’d do it all again tomorrow.
account_balance_walletWhat I Spent
| Expense | Approx Cost |
|---|---|
| Shillong–Sohra shared sumo | ₹180 |
| Sohra–Tyrna taxi (shared) | ₹250 |
| Homestay, 1 night (with dinner) | ₹500 |
| Food, 2 days | ₹500 |
| Entry fee (₹30–₹50) | ₹50 |
| Return sumo + taxi | ₹430 |
| Water, snacks, misc | ₹200 |
Prices are approximate and may vary.
Travelled: Dec 2024
lightbulbMoney Saver
Staying overnight in Nongriat instead of rushing it as a day trip saves nothing in cash but gives you double the experience for the same trek effort. The homestays are cheap (₹300–₹500), and dinner with the host family beats any restaurant.
verified_userReality Check
What actually saved money? The shared sumo and shared taxi. Private cabs from Shillong cost ₹2,000+ for the day; I paid under ₹500 for all my transport.
What wasn’t worth saving money on? Shoes. I did the trek in worn-out sneakers and regretted it on the climb up. Proper grip makes a huge difference on those 3,500 steps.
Biggest mistake? Starting the descent at noon. I reached the bridge at the hottest part of the day and the pools were crowded. Start by 8 am.
Biggest surprise? The natural pools. Everyone talks about the bridge, but swimming in those clear blue pools underneath it was the actual highlight.
Would I do this route again? Yes — and next time I’d continue to Rainbow Falls, another hour’s trek beyond Nongriat that I skipped.
tips_and_updatesWhat I Wish I Knew
- The climb UP takes nearly twice as long as the descent — plan accordingly.
- December–February has the best weather; monsoon makes the steps dangerously slippery.
- Carry at least 2 litres of water; there are stalls on the way but they’re pricey.
- There’s a small entry fee (~₹30–₹50) and a camera fee at the bridge.
personAbout the Traveler
Badap from Shillong — a traveller story on Mountains Bliss. Traveller stories · fellow travellers, honest budgets.
forumBadap
How tough is the trek really? I’m not super fit.
It’s challenging but doable — the steps are well-maintained, and you can rest anytime. The descent is easy; it’s the climb back up that tests you. Take it slow, carry water, and you’ll be fine.
Is one day enough, or should I stay overnight?
Stay overnight if you can. The day trip means 5+ hours of trekking in one day, which is exhausting. One night in Nongriat splits it up and the village evening is lovely.
forum Traveler discussion (0)
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